10 Best Colleges That Accept StraighterLine Credits 2026

StraighterLine has become one of the most popular ways for students to earn college credit outside of a traditional classroom. Its low-cost, self-paced courses allow learners to complete general education and introductory requirements quickly before transferring to an accredited college or university.

The key is choosing a school that actually makes those credits count. While many colleges accept ACE-recommended credit, some institutions go much further by maintaining formal partnerships with StraighterLine and allowing students to transfer a large portion of their degree. Below, we highlight colleges that consistently stand out for accepting StraighterLine credits and supporting faster, more affordable degree completion.

How StraighterLine Credits Work at Colleges

StraighterLine courses are reviewed and recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). Colleges that accept ACE-recommended credit may allow StraighterLine courses to transfer as general education, elective, or, in some cases, major-related coursework.

Acceptance, however, varies widely by institution and degree program. Some colleges publish guaranteed equivalency charts that show exactly how StraighterLine courses apply, while others evaluate credits on a case-by-case basis. Transfer limits, residency requirements, and upper-division rules can all affect how many credits ultimately count.

The Best Colleges for Using StraighterLine Credits

Each school below offers a different balance of flexibility, structure, and institutional support. Together, they represent some of the strongest options for students who want to use StraighterLine credits without unnecessary roadblocks.

1. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is one of StraighterLine’s most prominent and established partners. As a public state university in New Jersey designed specifically for adult learners, TESU is built around transfer credit and alternative learning pathways.

TESU accepts nearly all StraighterLine courses and allows students to transfer up to 114 credits toward a 120-credit bachelor’s degree, depending on the program. The university also provides clear transfer equivalency information, making it easier for students to plan their coursework before enrolling and avoid wasted credits.

• Maximum transfer credits accepted: up to 114 credits
• Degree formats offered: online associate and bachelor’s degrees

2. Excelsior University

Excelsior University is a private, nonprofit institution created with adult learners and degree completion in mind. The school maintains an official partnership with StraighterLine and publishes a detailed course equivalency guide that shows exactly how StraighterLine courses transfer.

Students can transfer up to 113 credits toward a bachelor’s degree, allowing StraighterLine to cover most general education and elective requirements. This transparency makes Excelsior especially appealing for students who want predictability and minimal friction when transferring credits.

• Maximum transfer credits accepted: up to 113 credits
• Degree formats offered: online associate and bachelor’s degrees

3. Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College is Connecticut’s public online college and one of the most transfer-friendly institutions in higher education. Like TESU and Excelsior, Charter Oak specializes in prior learning assessment and accepts a wide range of ACE-recommended credits, including those from StraighterLine.

Students can apply a large block of StraighterLine credits toward their degree and complete the remaining requirements directly through the college. Charter Oak’s straightforward policies and advisor support make it a strong option for students with significant alternative credit portfolios.

• Maximum transfer credits accepted: varies by program, often a large portion of the degree
• Degree formats offered: online associate and bachelor’s degrees

4. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a competency-based university known for helping students progress quickly by demonstrating mastery rather than completing traditional seat-time courses. WGU has a large, formal transfer relationship with StraighterLine that allows students to complete many general education and prerequisite courses before enrolling.

Students often use StraighterLine to finish an entire block of general education requirements, which can shorten time to degree once they begin WGU coursework. This approach works particularly well for students pursuing degrees in business, information technology, and education.

• Maximum transfer credits accepted: varies by program, often a significant portion of the degree
• Degree formats offered: competency-based bachelor’s and master’s degrees

5. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is one of the largest nonprofit universities serving online students and adult learners. The university maintains a dedicated partnership with StraighterLine and allows students to transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree.

StraighterLine courses frequently apply to general education, business, and psychology programs at SNHU. The school’s streamlined credit evaluation process helps students understand how their credits will apply before enrolling.

• Maximum transfer credits accepted: up to 90 credits
• Degree formats offered: online associate and bachelor’s degrees

6. Liberty University

Liberty University is one of the largest private universities offering online degree programs in the United States. As an official StraighterLine partner, Liberty allows students to transfer up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree, which is typically around 90 credits.

StraighterLine credits are commonly applied to general education and elective requirements, helping students reduce the number of courses they need to take through the university. Liberty also periodically offers scholarships or fee waivers specifically for StraighterLine students.

• Maximum transfer credits accepted: up to 90 credits
• Degree formats offered: online associate and bachelor’s degrees

7. University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is a public university designed for adult learners, including military-affiliated students and working professionals. UMGC accepts up to 90 transfer credits and has a well-documented process for evaluating ACE-recommended credits such as those from StraighterLine.

StraighterLine courses typically apply toward general education and elective requirements, making UMGC a strong option for students who want a recognizable public university with predictable transfer rules.

• Maximum transfer credits accepted: up to 90 credits
• Degree formats offered: online associate and bachelor’s degrees

8. University of Maine at Presque Isle

The University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) has become well known for its YourPace program, which offers a competency-based, flat-rate tuition model for online learners. This structure allows students to move quickly through remaining degree requirements after transferring in outside credits.

StraighterLine courses commonly apply toward general education and elective requirements, helping students enter the YourPace program with a large portion of their degree already completed. UMPI is especially appealing for students focused on affordability and speed.

• Maximum transfer credits accepted: varies by program, often a substantial portion of the degree
• Degree formats offered: online bachelor’s degrees through YourPace

9. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University (CSU) Global is the fully online campus of the Colorado State University system and was built specifically for working adults. The university accepts up to 90 transfer credits and is known for its clear residency requirements and career-focused degree options.

StraighterLine credits typically apply toward general education and elective coursework, allowing students to reduce both time and cost before enrolling. CSU Global is a solid choice for learners who want a public university credential paired with flexible transfer policies.

• Maximum transfer credits accepted: up to 90 credits
• Degree formats offered: online bachelor’s and master’s degrees

10. University of the People

University of the People is a nonprofit, tuition-free accredited online university with a unique partnership model. Through its collaboration with StraighterLine, students can complete general education requirements at low cost before transferring and finishing their degree at UoPeople for a total cost of around $5,000.

This approach makes UoPeople one of the most affordable degree pathways available. While the model is different from traditional universities, it can be an excellent option for highly motivated students focused on minimizing debt.

• Maximum transfer credits accepted: varies by program
• Degree formats offered: online associate and bachelor’s degrees

How We Rank Schools

The colleges on this list were selected based on how effectively they support students who use StraighterLine as part of a degree completion strategy. Rather than focusing on brand name alone, we prioritized institutions that combine generous transfer policies with clear guidance.

Key factors include:

• the maximum number of StraighterLine or ACE credits accepted
• the presence of formal transfer or partnership agreements
• transparency around course equivalencies
• flexibility for adult and online learners

How Many StraighterLine Credits Should You Earn Before Transferring?

One of the biggest advantages of StraighterLine is the ability to complete a large number of credits at a low cost before enrolling in a college. Still, earning credits strategically is more important than simply earning as many as possible.

Start With General Education Requirements

For most transfer-friendly colleges, general education courses are the safest and most efficient place to begin. These requirements tend to be consistent across institutions, making them easier to apply toward a degree.

StraighterLine works especially well for:

• math, English, and science requirements
• social science and humanities courses
• introductory business and IT classes
• free electives

Completing these courses first can significantly reduce the number of credits you need to finish after enrolling.

Pay Attention to Transfer Caps and Residency Rules

Even highly transfer-friendly colleges limit how many outside credits they will accept. Once you approach a school’s transfer cap, additional StraighterLine credits may no longer count toward your degree.

Before continuing with more courses, it’s important to confirm:

• the maximum number of transfer credits allowed
• whether limits apply only to lower-division credits
• how many credits must be completed through the degree-granting institution

In many cases, enrolling sooner rather than later allows you to apply remaining credits more efficiently.

The Goal Is Efficiency, Not Excess Credits

Earning more credits than your degree requires does not shorten time to graduation. The most effective approach is earning credits that directly replace degree requirements rather than piling up unused electives.

Students who review degree plans early are far less likely to waste time or money on credits that do not apply.

Common Mistakes Students Make With StraighterLine Credits

StraighterLine can be a powerful tool for lowering the cost of a degree, but misunderstandings about transfer policies can limit its effectiveness. Most issues stem from assumptions rather than the credits themselves.

Assuming All Colleges Apply StraighterLine Credits the Same Way

While many colleges accept ACE-recommended credit, how StraighterLine courses apply can vary widely. Some schools accept nearly all courses, while others restrict them to electives or general education only.

Differences often show up in:

• how credits apply to specific majors
• limits on business or science coursework
• acceptance of lab-based courses

Verifying degree-specific policies helps avoid surprises.

Earning Too Many Lower-Division Credits

Most bachelor’s programs require a set number of upper-division courses. Because StraighterLine courses are typically lower-division, it’s possible to exceed the number of applicable credits without realizing it.

This can lead to:

• credits that do not apply toward graduation
• longer completion timelines
• unexpected additional coursework

Balancing lower- and upper-division requirements is essential.

Waiting Too Long to Confirm Transfer Policies

Another common mistake is earning credits before confirming how a specific college will accept them. While StraighterLine publishes credit recommendations, final decisions always rest with the receiving institution.

Checking transfer guides, residency requirements, and degree plans before enrolling can help ensure that every course you complete moves you closer to graduation.

FAQs About Colleges That Accept StraighterLine Credits

StraighterLine offers a flexible way to earn college credit, but transfer rules can feel confusing at first. The FAQs below address common questions students have when using StraighterLine as part of a degree completion plan.

Do All Colleges Accept StraighterLine Credits?

No, not all colleges accept StraighterLine credits. StraighterLine courses are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE), but each college decides whether and how those credits apply to its degree programs.

Even among ACE-friendly schools, transfer policies vary. Some colleges accept nearly all StraighterLine courses, while others limit how many credits transfer or restrict them to general education or electives.

Can You Earn Most of a Degree Using StraighterLine Credits?

At highly transfer-friendly colleges, StraighterLine credits can cover a large portion of a bachelor’s degree. Schools like Thomas Edison State University, Excelsior University, and Charter Oak State College allow students to transfer close to the maximum number of credits permitted.

That said, no accredited college allows a full degree to be earned entirely through StraighterLine. All institutions require students to complete a minimum number of credits in residence before graduating.

Are StraighterLine Credits Cheaper Than College Courses?

In most cases, StraighterLine credits are significantly less expensive than traditional college courses. Students pay a monthly subscription and can complete multiple courses during that time, which lowers the cost per credit.

The real savings come when those credits apply directly toward degree requirements. Choosing a college with generous and predictable transfer policies is key to maximizing cost benefits.

Will Employers Accept Degrees That Use StraighterLine Credits?

Employers typically care more about the accreditation of the degree-granting institution than how individual credits were earned. As long as your degree comes from an accredited college or university, using StraighterLine credits is generally not an issue.

Many students choose public or nonprofit universities with clear transfer policies to add an extra layer of reassurance. This approach can be especially helpful for those planning to work in regulated fields or large organizations.

When Is the Best Time to Transfer StraighterLine Credits?

The best time to transfer StraighterLine credits is after completing courses that clearly apply to general education or elective requirements, but before reaching a school’s transfer credit limit. Waiting too long can result in unused credits that do not apply toward graduation.

Reviewing degree plans and transfer guides early helps ensure that your credits are used efficiently. Speaking with an advisor before enrolling can also help you avoid surprises and stay on track.

Explore Colleges That Accept Alternative Credits

Colleges that accept StraighterLine credits can offer a faster and more affordable path to earning a degree, especially for adult learners. Learn.org can help you compare accredited colleges, understand transfer credit policies, and identify programs that align with your goals.